Last Friday, Levittown area residents gathered to officially begin the celebration of Memorial Day weekend with an award ceremony for local veterans. The ceremony took place at the grounds of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce Festival which is held annually during Memorial Day weekend behind the Tri-County Flea Market.

Lois Cornibert, a member of the festival committee, introduced the ceremony. She thanked various individuals who had been involved in the festival planning, making special mention of Eileen O'Rourke, the Levittown Chamber of Commerce Office Manager. Cornibert made note that this Memorial Day, Americans not only remember the military men who have given their lives, but the civilians whose lives were sacrificed on Sept. 11. Cornibert proceeded to introduce the first award presenter, VFW Post 1711's Bill Hynes.

Hynes awarded Post 1711 member Jack Byrne, citing his "compassion for humankind" and "spirit of leadership" as reasons Hynes felt he deserved the award. Byrne has had an active part in community service, specifically, providing for the needy.

Paul Masi made the presentation for the Vietnam Veterans of America. He honored men and women who are currently in the military, saying "around the world, on the ocean and in the sky, are the finest young Americans." Masi spoke emotionally about the battles vets still fight today as they struggle with their past. He talked about the principle of "duty, honor, and country," and talked about how "we have to care for each other." Masi presented an award to Timothy Glover.

Bob Spicer, Post Commander of VFW 9592, presented his award to Jim Hasselmann. Hasselmann has had an active part in the community as the facilitator of a program that has high school students write essays and then audio-record them.

Allan Grant was also honored with an award from the Jewish War Veterans. He was unable to attend the ceremony.

Barry Room, president of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the different groups the chamber serves within the community, including the Kiwanis Club and Y.O.M. He reiterated the need to remember the armed services and civilians, and concluded, residents of Levittown "celebrate our unity and strength as a town, we celebrate our unity and strength as a community, [and] we celebrate our unity and strength as Americans." Cornibert closed the ceremony.

The festival, which began on Thursday, continued throughout the weekend, concluding on Memorial Day with a parade. The ceremony, other events held at the stage, including a magic show and a concert, and the rest of the festival attractions, provided a gathering place for residents of Levittown from every walk of life. Families, groups of friends, and couples wandered the grounds, enjoying the summer weather and the sense of community that comes from gathering to remember a nation's lost servants.